The Imperial Citadel

If Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are the cultural and financial capitals of Vietnam respectively, then Hue is it's intellectual capital. And at the center of it all is The Imperial Citadel. A huge complex that contains the Forbidden City, royal palaces, pagodas and tombs.

Most impressive and the most famous landmark in the complex is the Ngo Mon Gate - the majestic entrance to the Citadel. Across it is the Cot Co (Flag Tower) where the Viet Cong flag briefly flew during the Tet Offensive in 1968.

The Citadel is pleasant area to explore by foot or by bike as larger vehicles are not allowed inside the complex. The areas within the Citadel that should not be missed are the following:

Dien Thai Hoa (Palace of Supreme Harmony): Being the throne palace, this is one of the most important structures in Hue. This is where major ceremonies are held in the past.

The Mieu (Dynastic Temple): Where the anniversaries of the Emperors are still being celebrated until today.

The Nine Dynastic Urns: Hue craftmanship at it's finest. Each is dedicated to an emperor. If you notice, they all have slightly different handles and feet.

The Forbidden Purple City: Destroyed by wars, only a handful buildings remain in the heart of the Imperial City. It is said to have contained the residential palaces, and the living quarters for the nine ranks of concubines.

The Royal Library: This elegant little building is now a concert and theatre venue.

The Citadel is quite unusual since there's not quite a place where one can find sacred temples, beautiful palaces coexisting with moats, bastions and massive ramparts. Although much of the Citadel has been ravaged by wars, restoration is under way to reveal how grand it once was.